Day 1: ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The discovery of oil in 1958 transformed this rural backwater into a modern metropolis with the highest per-capita income in the world. Today, Abu Dhabi boasts extraordinary sky scrapers, shopping malls, top quality hotels, tree-lined boulevards and picturesque gardens, while still maintaining a subtle Arabian mystique. Sail the lovely Gulf waters and numerous islands surrounding the city in a traditional dhow; tour heritage Village, a living museum where artisans ply their traditional crafts; or shop the central souk area for gold and Bedouin silver jewelry.

Day 2: FUJAIRAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Fujairah is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, on the Gulf of Oman. Fujairah is the only Emirate of the U.A.E. that is almost totally mountainous, surrounded by the ruggedly majestic Hajar Mountains. Dana Plaza offers shopping in the souks, while excursions include dune drives, camel safaris and a voyage to the region’s only fjord, Musandam Fjords.

Day 3: MUSCAT, OMAN

Muscat is the capital of Oman, a sovereign country. Muscat has been important since the 6th century BC, when Persians controlled the port. It was under Portuguese domination from 1508 to 1650, and subsequently the Iranians gained control of the city. Muscat became the capital of independent Muscat and Oman in 1741- the country’s name was changed to just Oman in 1970. Muscat offers a number of exciting excursions including dolphin watching and off-road desert adventures.

Day 4: CRUISING THE ARABIAN SEA

Day 5: SALALAH, OMAN

The Sultanate of Oman is situated on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, neighboring Saudi Arabia and Yemen. In 1970, the son of Sultan Said bin Taimur overthrew his father's government and renamed the nation the Sultanate of Oman. During the Persian Gulf War, Oman served as a landing base for the allied forces. Salalah is gateway for visitors to explore the site of "Jebel Qarra," fabled to be the tomb of the biblical Job.

Day 6: CRUISING THE GULF OF ADEN

Day 7: CRUISING THE ARABIAN SEA

Day 8: CRUISING THE INDIAN OCEAN

Days 9 & 10: MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES

Mahé, the largest island of the Seychelles, was named for Mahé de Labourdonnais, a governor of Mauritius. It is the location of Port Victoria, the capital city. Ringed by steep and magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop. The nearby reefs and pristine marine national parks are a snorkeler’s paradise

Day 10: PRASLIN (LA DIGUE), SEYCHELLES

Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles, lying north east of Mahé. Originally known as a hideaway by pirates and Arab merchants, Lazare Picault named the island “Isle de Palmes” in 1744. In 1768 it was renamed Praslin in honor of Cesar Gabriel de Choiseul, duc de Praslin, a French diplomat. Tropical forests and nature preserves abound, housing the unique coco de mer and vanilla orchids.

Days 11 & 12: CRUISING THE INDIAN OCEAN

Day 13: PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS

The charming capital city offers lush mountain ranges, fine beaches, stunning coral reefs and picturesque villages. Learn of the rich cultural heritage Port Louis’ five districts have to offer or admire the natural beauty of this volcanic island situated in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar.

Day 14: POINTE DES GALETS, RÉUNION ISLAND

Pointe des Galets is the principal port of Réunion Island, is a visual paradise as it emerging from the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Its dramatic landscapes include lush mountains and volcanic peaks and white- and black sand beaches. A major attraction remains the fascinating and still active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise.

Day 15: CRUISING THE INDIAN OCEAN

Day 16: FORT DAUPHIN, MADAGASCAR

Also known as Tolagnaro, Fort Dauphin is a picturesque doorway into the mysterious and beautiful world of Madagascar. Explore the endemic flora and fauna of Nahampoana Reserve, home to every lemur species native to the south of Madagascar, including the famed ring-tailed lemur. Few beaches are as idyllically remote and pristine as Lokaro Beach, with its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Soak up the view from Saint Louis’ peak of the bay of Lokaro, the cove Dauphine and more. Man-made sites abound, too, including the remains of colonial-era Fort-Flacourt, the Fort of the Portugueses, and Sainte Luce, a fishing village with long, lush beaches.

Days 17 & 18: CRUISING THE MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL

Day 19: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE

Discover the relaxed charm of Maputo with its wide, European style boulevards, lush with jacaranda, bougainvillea and other tropical foliage, where old colonial palaces are mixed in with modern high-rise buildings. Visit The Cathedral built in 1944 in the shape of a cross, then the lively Mercado Central. Enjoy a snack of freshly roasted cashews and a cold bottled drink. Stop by the National Museum of Art then stroll along the Avenida Julius Nyerere, browsing the boutiques, vendors, and restaurants. Look for African waxprint and woven fabrics, beautiful wooden boxes and picture frames. Seek out the surreal Pancho Guedes buildings, reminiscent of Gaudi. Visit the Praça de Trabalhadores designed by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century. Sip coffee in one of the many outdoor cafés as you watch the world go by in this vibrant seaside capital.

Day 20: RICHARDS BAY, SOUTH AFRICA

Richards Bay is one of South Africa’s largest harbors, and is the tourist’s gateway to Zululand, once the mightiest of the sub-Saharan African Kingdoms. Richards Bay began its life as a makeshift harbor, set up by Sir Fredererick Richards, after whom it is named, during the Anglo-Boer War of 1880-81. Richards Bay has some of the most spectacular wetland scenery and pristine beaches on the north coast of KwaZulu Natal. Join us as we explore the land of King Shaka, or embark on an unforgettable safari to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve.

Day 21: CRUISING THE INDIAN OCEAN

Day 22: MOSSEL BAY, SOUTH AFRICA

Situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay offers more than 37 miles of beaches and at least 300 days of sunshine a year. Known as the location where the first Europeans made landfall on South African soil in 1488, today’s Mossel Bay is one of the country’s most popular beach destinations, as well as a haven for outdoor adventurers.

Day 23: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA